On 4 February The leaders of Britain, Afghanistan and Pakistan pushed for the Taliban to come to the table for peace talks to end Afghanistan’s protracted conflict and gave themselves a six-month deadline to get a deal.British Prime Minister David Cameron hosted Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai and Pakistan’s President Asif Zardari for trilateral talks on Afghanistan’s floundering peace and reconciliation process.

UNICEF Syria Crisis Humanitarian Situation Report

On 8 February According to the UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund )Syria Crisis Humanitarian Situation Report, The vaccination effort in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is well underway, with over 53,000 children receiving measles vaccinations, over 44,000 receiving vitamin A supplements, and over 10,000 polio doses administered.

Pakistan to Renamed Sindh Province to ‘Sind’

On 12 February 2013, the Sindh Assembly approved a bill to rename the southern Pakistani province as Sind.The assembly approved the Sindh Laws Amendment Bill of 2012, whereby the letter “h” will be removed from the name of the province.

Russia Rejected U.S. Nuclear Warheads Proposals

On 14 February Russia rejected U.S. president Barack Obama proposals , which deployed nuclear warhead delivery systems including bombers, missile launchers and nuclear submarines – a cut of about 60%.In 2010 Russia and the United States signed on “New START” agreement.The New Start treaty limits each side to no more than 800 deployed nuclear warhead delivery systems including bombers, missile launchers and nuclear submarines – a cut of about 50%.

Rafael Correa Re-elected for 3rd term as Ecuador’s President

On 17 February Ecuadoreans president Rafael Correa has been re-elected for a third term with more than 50 percent of votes in his favour.As per the results, Rafael Correa got 56.7 percent while his closest competitor Guillermo could secure only 23.3 percent.Correa is a socialist leader who was first elected in 2006 December and he was sworn in on 15 January 2007 as the 56th president of Ecuador.Correa was re-elected to a second term in 2009.

Pakistan Hands Over Strategic Gwadar Port To China

On 18 February Pakistan and China signed an agreement to hand over control of the strategic Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea to a Chinese company.Under the agreement for transfer of concession rights, the deep sea port will remain the property of Pakistan while the Chinese company will share profits from its operation. China Overseas Port Holdings Limited will fully assume responsibility for Gwadar port in Balochistan province.

Israel’s Netanyahu Announced Coalition Deal with Tzipi Livni

On 19 Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has announced a coalition deal with former Foreign Minister and the rival centrist Hatnua Party Chairwomen Tzipi Livni, at Jerusalem. Under the deal agreement, Livni will serve as the new Justice Minister and will oversee the peace efforts with the Palestinians.Tzipi Livni is an Israeli Politician and the first women to be the leader of opposition in Israel. She is the leader of the new centrist party, Hatnuah. She served Israel as its Foreign Minister from 2006 to 2009.

Russia and Brazil Signed on Defence Cooperation Agreements

On 20 February Russia and Brazil signed a Defence, Energy and Agricultural agreements .Brazil agreed to negotiate the purchase of Russian anti-aircraft missile batteries on the condition that Russia transfer the technology to Brazilian defense companies without restrictions.The agreements are signed by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff .

Nicos Anastasiades Elected as Cyprus New President

On 24 February the centre-right DISY (the Democratic Rally) party leader Nicos Anastasiades, has won the presidential elections of Cyprus with 57.5 percent votes.Nicos Anastasiades had a very easy going victory over Communist-backed Stavros Malas who secured 42.5 percent votes in the election.

Raul Castro re-elected for Second Term as Cuba’s President

On 25 February Raul Castro has been re-elected as Cuba’s president officially to his last five-year term.The National Assembly of People’s Power approved, in the capital Havana, Army General Raul Castro Ruz as president of the Council of State, and elected Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, as its first vice president.Raul Castro became interim president when his brother, revolution icon Fidel, took ill in 2006. He then formally became president in 2008.

INDIA & WORLD

India-Malaysia Double Taxation Agreement in Force

On 2 February India and Malaysia signed on double-taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA). Dividends paid by Indian companies to Malaysian investors or entities will attract a lower withholding tax of 5 percent against 10 per cent earlier. The new agreement has also, in line with international practice, introduced a new article for taxing capital gains from alienation of property.

India Failed To Curb Sexual Violence Against Women

According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) ‘ World Report 2013 ‘ India has been accused of failure to curb incidents of sexual violence against women and for restrictions on right to free speech, India “has a thriving civil society, free media, and an independent judiciary”, the city-based rights group said in its assessment of rights abuses in India.

Six Indian Institutes in Global 150 Top Think-Tanks

On 3 February Six Indian research institutes, including Centre for Civil Society (CCS), are among top 150 global think – tanks in the annual list released by the University of Pennsylvania for the year 2012.The list was topped by Brookings Institution (United States) followed by Chatham House (United Kingdom) and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (United States).Other Indian think-tanks featured in the list are:- Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis , Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations , The Energy and Resources Institute , Observer Research Foundation and Development Alternatives.

India and Austria Signed a Social Security Agreement

On 5 February India and Austria signed a social security agreement at Vienna, under which the Indian professionals working in Austria would be exempted from paying the social security contribution of the country, if such payments are already made in India. Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi and Austrian Minister for Labour and Social Security, Rudoulf Hundstorfer signed on the agreement.

India Pledges $100m For Mali Reconstruction

On 5 February India pledges $100m for Mali reconstruction .India has committed to giving $1 million for the upgrade of the Malian army with a pledge to ramp up contributions for reconstruction to $100 million after the situation stabilizes.

India and China Tourists Triple Australian Visits

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics report , Chinese and Indian visitors, with tourist numbers from those countries tripled in the past decade.630,000 visits from Chinese tourists in 2012 compared with 190,000 in 2002. Indian visits went from 45,000 to 160,000 in the same period.Despite a high Australian dollar, Australia’s short-term visitor numbers were up by nearly five percent since 2011 with 6.1 million short trips made to Australia 270,000 more than in 2011.

Special Purpose Vehicle Formed for TAPI Pipeline Project

On 7 February The Union Cabinet gave its approval for formation of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline Project and to permit GAIL India Ltd. to join the SPV. The four countries involved in the TAPI Gas pipeline project, signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement along with a Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement (GPFA).Turkmenistan and Pakistan agreed to the formation of TAPl Ltd. The 1,680 km pipeline will carry 90 million metric standard cubic metres a day (mmscmd) of gas, and is scheduled to become operational in 2018.

India and Japan to Strengthen Cooperation in Tourism Sector

India and Japan have resolved to strengthen cooperation in tourism sector. This was decided at a meeting between the visiting Japanese Senior Vice-Minister of Tourism, Mr. Hiroshi Kajiyama and Union Tourism Minister Shri K Chiranjeevi in New Delhi on 12 February 2013.

India and France Signed 22 Agreements

On 14 February France and India have signed on 22 agreements after French President Francois Hollande’s meetings with the Indian president and the prime minister in New Delhi.Both nations exchanged views on a number of bi-lateral, regional and multilateral issues and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to facilitate technical cooperation in Railways to each other.Chairman, Railway Board, India and Chairman and CEO SNCF from the French side signed this MoU.Both the nations also concluded negotiations on the short range surface to Air missile to be co-produced in India. They also agreed on the need to reinvigorate economic engagement between the two countries.

India and Bangladesh Signed Land Boundary Agreement

On 16 February India and Bangladesh held the second Joint Consultative Commission meeting in Dhaka .After the meeting , both countries exchanged one strip map as part of the process of the implementation of the agreement signed to resolve land boundary issues between them.In addition, two MOUs were also signed for the construction of a rail link to connect Akhaura in Bangladesh to Agartala in India and for setting up a thinktank to be called Bangladesh-India Foundation.The India-Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission is an interministerial body of the two countries headed by the Minister of External Affairs of India and Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.

CBI probe Ordered into Rs 3700 crore Italian Chopper Deal Scam

In February 2010, India had inked the deal with Italain Finmeccanica to acquire the 12 three-engine AW-101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for IAF’s elite Communication Squadron ,which ferries around the President, PM and other VVIPs.The deal came under the scanner of Italian agencies after allegations of kickback given in India surfaced.The agencies arrested Giuseppe Orsi, the head of Italian defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica as part of their probe related to international corruption.Around 50 million euros , about 10 per cent of the deal, were alleged to have been given as bribes to ensure that the company won the contract.On February The Defence Ministry has ordered CBI probe into alleged scam in a Rs 3600 crore defence helicopter deal after arrest of head of Italian firm Finmeccanica on charges of bribery.

India and Britain Discussed on Nuclear Cooperation

“On 19 February Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Britain Prime Minister David Cameron discussed on regional and global issues ,which included key issues of nuclear energy cooperation, security, terrorism and trade .The two sides have also decided to commence negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear Agreement.Britain has assured that it will extend all cooperation to any Indian probe into the multi-million-dollar helicopter scam which involves Italian defense giant Finmeccanica’s UK-based subsidiary AgustaWestland.David Cameron announced that his country is going to introduce sameday visa service for Indian businessmen in a bid to accelerate the bilateral trade between the two sides.”

India won Kishanganga Case Against Pakistan

On 18 February the Court of Arbitration at the Hague allowed India to go ahead with the Construction of the Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Gurez valley near Bandipura in North Kashmir, the court rejected the plea of Pakistan that the construction was a violation of 1960 Indus Water Treaty.The Court of Arbitration, chaired by Stephen M. Schwebel in its orders stated that India can move ahead with the diversion of water plans of Kishanganga that is a tributary of Jhelum, for generation of hydro-electric power. But it restrained India from adoption of the drawdown technique of flushing for clearing the sedimentation of the run-of-the river project that had been designed and asked it to adopt a different technique for generation of 330 MW power facilities.

NATIONAL

President Gave Assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013

On 3 February President Pranab Mukherjee gave his assent to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 which provides for, amongst other things, stricter punishment for crimes against women. The Ordinance was to be largely based on the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee.However, the Ordinance will have to be passed by Parliament within six months otherwise the same shall lapse.

All Juvenile Crimes 64% by 16-18 yr Old Age Group

On 4 February According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows that most juvenile crimes are committed by those in the age group of 16-18 years.In 2011 the growth in rape by juveniles (34%) over 2010 was again among the highest.In 2011, 64% of all juvenile criminals fall in the age group of 16-18. In 2011, 33,887 juveniles were arrested for 25,178 instances of crime.All together make for over 50% of all rape cases by juveniles.

Aero India 2013 “ Held in Bangalore

The Asia’s biggest airshow “Aero India 2013”, a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held from 6 – 10th February at the Yelehanka Air Force Station in Bangalore .In the event displays magnificent aerobatic skills and belongings that created a chance of winning potential business tieups and networking. Defence Minister of India, A K Antony inaugurated the Air Show on 6 February .In the event 53 civil and military aircraft and 27 countries participated and 78 delegations attended from US, Israel and Russia.The first Edition of the show was organised for the first time in 1996.The next Aero India show is scheduled to be held from 18 February to 22 February 2015 at Bangalore.

Cabinet Approved Rs.38500 cr Rural Road Development Plan

On 7 February The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 38,500 crore rupees for road connectivity under the Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).The schemes approved were mainly for connectivity to villages in tribal areas, desert and hilly areas, with a population of at least 250 each.In 82 areas hit by Naxalite violence, villages with less than 250 people are also to be connected under the scheme.

Parliament Attack Case Convict Afzal Guru Hanged

On 9 February in a top secret operation , the 2001 Parliament attack case convict Mohammed Afzal Guru was hanged in Delhi’s Tihar jail.Afzal Guru was given the death sentence by the Supreme Court in 2004.The President rejected the Afzal Guru’s mercy petition on 23 January 2013.The code name of the secret operation was Operation “Three Star “ .

Centre Notified Cauvery Dispute Tribunal Award

After six years,on the directions of the Supreme Court, the Central Government of India has notified the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) on sharing the waters of the Cauvery system among the basin States of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala and Union territory of Puducherry on 20 February.The Tribunal, comprising chairman Justice N.P. Singh and members N.S. Rao and Sudhir Narain, in a unanimous award in February, 2007 had determined the total availability of water in the Cauvery basin at 740 thousand million cubic (TMC) feet at the Lower Coleroon Anicut site.In, what was then described as a balancing act, the Tribunal gave Tamil Nadu 419 TMC of water (as against the demand of 562 TMC); Karnataka 270 TMC (as against its demand of 465 TMC); Kerala 30 TMC and Puducherry 7 TMC.After the issuance of the notification, institutions like the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) chaired by the Prime Minister and the CMC will cease to exist.

STATES

Sonia Gandhi Launched “Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram “ Scheme

On 6 February Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched “ Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)”, a new children health care project initiative in Palghar, a tribal block in Thane district of Maharashtra.The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, is a part of the National Rural Health Mission of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The scheme is aimed at improving overall quality of life of children through early detection of birth defects, diseases and deficiencies, which are among key factors for child mortality.

Maharashtra Promulgates Ordinance To Amend Cooperative Societies Act

On 15 February the Maharashtra Government promulgated an ordinance to amend the Maharashtra Co-operative Societies Act, which aims to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of co-operative societies.The ordinance is to amend the Act to make it in consonance with the 97th constitutional amendment by Parliament last year.

India’s First Geothermal Plant in Chhattisgarh

On 17 February Chhattisgarh has signed an agreement with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to set up the country’s first geothermal power plant in its newlyformed Balrampur district.A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the project was signed between the NTPC and the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA). The plant will come up at Tata Pani in Balrampur, a district located in extreme northern region of the state.

Rajasthan Constituted a Task Force to Check the Spread of Swine Flu in State

On 19 February the State Government of Rajasthan decided to constitute a task force to control Swine Flu effectively. Chief Secretary of the State, CK Matthew was appointed as the head of the task force constituted.The state had witnessed 148 cases of death and 834 positive cases since April 2012. A central team that constitutes of five doctors and microbiologist is on the state visit and would pay a visit to Jodhpur, Ajmer and Bikaner, areas worst affected from the disease.

Cabinet Approved NTPC Power Project in Jharkhand

On 20 February the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) approved the setting up of the 1,980 MW North Karanpura Super Thermal Power Plant in Jharkhand by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).The Cabinet committee of investment also agreed for restoring the original coal linkage for the project and declared that the project will be based on environment friendly super-critical technology. This supply will be made available in the 13th Five Year Plan.

Tripura, Meghalaya and Nagaland Assembly Elections Results

Northeastern states of Tripura ,Meghalaya and Nagaland Assembly election was released on 28 February .The Assembly elections in the three states, having 60 seats each, were held February 14 and February 23.In Tripura the CPI-M on its own won 49 seats out of the total 60 seats and stormed back to power in Tripura for the fifth straight term.Chief Minister Manik Sarkar won from Dhanpur by a margin of around 5,000 votes. It was Sarkar’s sixth win.Meghalaya – The Indian National Congress here has won 29 seats in the election to the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly with Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, winning with huge margins.Nagaland – Ruling Naga Peoples Front combine returned to power with an absolute majority in Nagaland winning 39 seats in the 60-member Assembly.The ruling NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) alliance will form government for a third consecutive term.Congress managed to win eight seats. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio won from Northern Angami II seat by defeating his nearest Congress rival Kevise Sogotsu of Congress by 12,671 votes.

Desalination Plant in Tamil Nadu Commissioned

On 22 February J. Jayalalithaa, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated a desalination plant at Nemmeli in Kanchipuram district of the state.The plant which will benefit over 15 lakh residents in Velachery, Pallipattu and Tiruvanmiyur areas of south Chennai has been set up with an investment of Rs 871 crore. About 265 million ltrs of water will be drawn from the sea to realise 100 million ltrs per day of drinking water through the plant spread over 40 acre.

CONFERENCES

13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS)

The 13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) concluded on 2 February at NewDelhi.The theme of the summit is ‘The Global Challenge of Resource Efficient Growth and Development’.”Among from 30 countries Heads of Governments , research institutions, policy-makers, NGOs and corporates attended the summit.The Summit organized annually since 2001 by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), is an international platform for exchange of knowledge on all nuances of sustainable development.

AWARDS & HONOURS

Malala Yousafzai nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Malala Yousafzai, who was shoot by the Talibans against the girl education was nominated for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, as the deadline expired on 01 February 2013. French, Canadian and Norwegian MPs have all separately nominated Malala.This year’s award will be announced in early October, but speculation was already underway as the deadline for nominations ran out on 1 February .

L. N. Tallur won Skoda Art Prize 2012

On 1 February Karnataka artist L. N. Tallur, whose works depict majorly the underbelly of India, has won the Rs 1 million Skoda Prize 2012 for contemporary art, from among a shortlist of four artists including an artist collective.

13th Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) Awards

Sustainable Development Leadership Award :- The Seychelles President, Mr James Michel has been awarded the Sustainable Development Leadership Award at the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit . Georgescu roegen Award : The award is Kozo Mayumi (Professor at Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokushima). The co-winners of the Georgescu-Roegen Award (bioeconomic practice) are Accion Ecologica and Oilwatch.

South Sudan Bishop Taban won UN Peace Award

On 9 February A South Sudan’s Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban has won a coveted 2013 UN peace prize ( Sergio Viera de Mello Prize ) in recognition of his efforts to build trust among warring communities in the conflict-torn region.Vieira de Mello, the UN’s former human rights chief, was killed in a bombing in Iraq in 2003. The annual prize in his honour is awarded to a person, community or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to reconciliation of communities or groups in conflict, and whose example can be duplicated elsewhere.

Sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award, which was jointly accepted by his daughters Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones on 9 February 2013.He was posthumously awarded the best world music album trophy at the 55th Grammys, a day after being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award by The Recording Academy.He got “55 Grammy award for his album ‘The Living Room Sessions Part 1’ .

National e-Governance award for Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh had been conferred upon the prestigious National e-Governance Gold Award for 2012-13, for its ‘Sparsh Abhiyan’ aimed towards the disabled and the aged.

Amartya Sen honoured with France’s highest civilian award

The French president Mr Francois Hollande honoured the Amartya Sen with the France’s highest civilian award, ‘Commandeur de la Legion d’Honneur’ (Legion of Honour) after delivering the Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on 15 February 2013.The prestigious honour is the reason for his enormous contribution to the field of economics and for his exchanges with French academic institutions would also be recognised.

Paul Hansen Won “2012 World Press Photo “ Award

On 15 February Swedish photographer Paul Hansen has won the “2012 World Press Photo award” with a picture of two Palestinian children killed in an Israeli missile strike being carried to their funeral.The picture shows a group of men marching the dead bodies through a narrow street in Gaza City.World Press Photo, one of photojournalism’s most prestigious contests, issued awards in nine categories to 54 photographers of 32 nationalities.

63rd Berlin Film Festival Awards

The awarding ceremony of the 63rd Berlinale ended on 16 February in Berlin.Romanian film “Child’s Pose” won the Golden Bear, the top jury prize awarded to the best film in the Berlin International Film Festival.

Best Film :- Child’s Pose ( Romania )

Best Actor :- Nazif Mujic in “Life of an Iron Picker” (Bosnia/France/Slovenia)

Best Actress :- Paulina Garcia in “Gloria” (Chile/Spain)

Best Director :- David Gordon Green for “Prince Avalanche” (US)

Best ScreenPlay :- Jafar Panahi for “Parde” (Closed Curtain) Iran.

Ela Bhatt honoured with Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

Ela Bhatt, founder of the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), was presented with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2011 by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 18 February 2013.Ela Bhatt was honoured for her life time achievements in empowering women, promoting grassroot level entrepreneurship and for her contribution towards promoting equitable development and peace.

Ratan Tata receives E&Y lifetime award

Former Tata Group head Ratan Tata is this year’s recipient of the ‘life time achievement award’ instituted by Ernst & Young, for ‘asserting a greater role for Indian entrepreneurs on the global business landscape’.The entrepreneur of the year (2012) award went to Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej.The entrepreneur of the year is the only business award to be based on self-nomination.

Oscars Awards-2013

85th Oscar awards presentation ceremony held in Los Angels on 25 February 2013.In this ceremoney Life of Pi cinema got a 4 Oscar awards.

Best Picture: Argo

Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)

Best Actress: Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)

Best Supporting Actor: Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)

Best Supporting Actress:Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables)

Best Directing: Ang Lee(Life of Pi)

Best Adapted Screenplay:Chris Terrio( Argo)

Best Original Screenplay: Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained)

Best Documentary Feature: Searching for Sugar Man

Best Original Song:Skyfall” from Skyfall, music and lyrics by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth

On 2 February Indian tennis legends Leander Paes and Jaideep Mukherjee were felicitated by the All India Tennis Association (AITA) at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium , when they were presented with the Davis Cup Commitment Trophy.Mukherjee made his Davis Cup debut in 1960 against Thailand and had a 62-35 win-loss record while Paes is currently playing his 49th Davis Cup tie here against South Korea.

Graeme Smith Captains his 100th Test

On 4 February South African test cricket team captain Graeme Smith has created a unique record by leading the side in 100th test.As the South African captain Graeme Smith stepped on the field against Pakistan, he became the only captain in the world to have led the team in 100 test matches.Earlier, the record for captaining in most number of test matches was held by former Australian skipper Allan Border. Allan Border led the Australian test cricket team in 93 test matches. Sourav Ganguly holds the record of captaining Indian test team in most number of test matches. Sourav played as skipper in 49 test matches. Now, Graeme Smith is the only cricketer to play as captain in 100 test matches.

India Won Record 46 Medals in Special Olympics

On 6 February India’s differently-abled athletes returned with the largest haul of medals in the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games at Pyeong Chang, South Korea.The Indians won 46 medals – 13 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze – from among mentally-challenged 2200 athletes from over 120 nations in the Games .India doubled its medal tally from the World Winter Games 2009.The Games are being competed in eight sports .

Sachin Equaled Sunil Gavaskar’s First Class Cricket Record

On 8 February Sachin Tendulkar equaled the record of Sunil Gavaskar of 81 first class hundreds in first class cricket at Mumbai. He managed to equal Gavaskar’s record after scoring an unbeaten 140 runs in Irani Trophy against Rest of India in the first innings of the tournament of Mumbai team.When he reached 106, Tendulkar also completed 25,000 runs in first class cricket.

Wrestling Dropped From 2020 Olympic Games List

On 12 February the International Olympic Committee (IOC) leaders dropped wrestling from the 2020 Olympic Games.Wrestling will be included at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.The IOC board acted after reviewing the 26 sports on the current Olympic program. Eliminating one sport allows the IOC to add a new sport to the program later this year.Wrestling will now join seven other sports in applying for inclusion in 2020. The others are a combined bid from baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and wushu. They will be vying for a single opening in 2020.The last sports removed from the Olympics were baseball and softball, voted out by the IOC in 2005 and off the program since the 2008 Beijing Games. Golf and Rugby will be joining the program at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Victoria Azarenka won Qatar Open Tennis Title

On 18 February Defending champion Victoria Azarenka from Belarus defeated Serena Williams (America) to won the Qatar Open tennis title in the final at Doha.

Sania Mirza won Dubai Tennis Championship Title

On 23 February India’s Sania Mirza and her American partner Bethanie-Mattek Sands won the Dubai Tennis Championship title. The Indo-American duo defeated the second seeded Russian-Slovenian combination of Nadia Petrova and Katarina Srebotnik. Sania bagged her second Doubles title of the season.

ECONOMY

BHEL and GAIL Granted Maharatna Status

On 1 February The Union Government of India granted Maharatna status to BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd ) and GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited), a development which will provide them greater financial and functional autonomy and also ensure better valuation for shares of the two public sector undertakings.Ideally any Maharatna firm has a capacity to take investment decision of around 5000 crore Rupees without taking assistance from the government. On the other hand, forms with Navratna status have the capability of 1000 crore Rupees.For any company to qualify for Maharatna status, the annual turnover should be over 25000 crore Rupees in past three years, as per the guidelines issued by Department of Public Enterprises.

Per capita Monthly Income Growth Eases to 14% in 2011-12

On 1 February According to the the revised data of national accounts the per capita monthly income, a measure to assess standard of living, grew at a slower rate of 13.7 per cent to Rs 5,130 in 2011-12 at current prices compared to Rs 4,513 in 2010-11.On the Gross Domestic Saving (GDS) front, the data revealed that the growth at current prices in 2011-12 slowed to 30.8 per cent of GDP at market prices against 34 per cent in the previous year.The gross domestic capital formation has increased from “Rs 28,71,649 crore in 2010-11 to Rs 31,41,465 crore in 2011- 12 at current prices.It further revealed that the per capita private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) at current prices in 2011-12 is estimated at Rs 42,065 as against Rs 36,677 in the year 2010-11, showing an increase of 14.7 per cent against an increase of 15.7 per cent in the previous year.

Argentina Censured by the IMF for Economic Data

On 3 February The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has censured Argentina for the quality of its official inflation and GDP data.Inflation in Argentina is estimated by private economists to be at 25% a year and rising but the government reported it at 11% or less for last year.Argentina became the first country to be censured by the International Monetary Fund for not providing accurate data on inflation and economic growth under a procedure that can end in expulsion.

Mumbai Is World’s Cheapest City

Mumbai shares the title of the world’s cheapest city with Karachi, in Pakistan, according to the “Worldwide Cost of Living 2013” survey by the Economist Group’s Economic Intelligence Unit.After Mumbai and Pakistan comes Delhi ,Algiers, Bucharest, Colombo and Panama City.According to the report, the five most expensive cities in the world are Tokyo and Osaka in Japan, Sydney, Oslo and Melbourne.

67 new Express trains to be introduced.26 new passenger services, 8 DEMU services and 5 MEMU services to be introduced. Run of 57 trains to be extended. Frequency of 24 trains to be increased.22 new rail lines to be taken up in 2013-14

Proposal for setting up of Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority formulated and at inter-ministerial consultation stage. Fuel Adjustment Component (FAC) linked revision for freight tariff to be implemented from 1st April 2013.

72 additional suburban services in Mumbai and 18 in Kolkata

An independent Rail Tariff Authority has been formalised

ndian Railways Institute of Financial Management to be set up at Secunderabad

Recruitment to RPF with 10% vacancies reserved for women.Seek to fill 1.52 lakh vacancies in railways this year. 47000 vacancies for weaker sections and physically challenged to be filled up soon

By end of 2013-14, 1,500 km of contracts to be awarded for two dedicated rail corridors Economic Survey of contracts to be awarded for two dedicated rail corridors.

Union Budget 2013-14

On 28 February Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram Presented the Rs.16,65 279 Crore(Planed Expenditure Rs. 5,55,322 crore , Non Planed Expenditure Rs 11,09,975 crore) Union budget in the Lok Sabha for the financial year 2013-14.This is the 82’nd Budget for India and 8th Budget for the Finance Minister P Chidambaram.In the past, former Prime Minister Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget 8 times as Finance Minister. The Highlights of Union Budget 2013-14: Total budget expenditure seen at 16.65 trillion rupees in 2013-14.

on-plan expenditure estimated at about 11.1 trillion rupees in 2013-14.

India’s 2013-14 plan expenditure seen at 5.55 trillion rupees

Revised estimate for total expenditure is 14.3 trillion rupees in 2012-13, which is 96 point of budget estimate

Rs.14000 crore will be provided for PSB recapitalization. He will constitute a panel on transaction costs, and financial policies.

Rs.6,5867 crore for Education , an increase of 17 percent over RE for 2012- 13.

Rs 6275 crore to Ministry of Technology

Rs.2 trillion for defence sector

Rs.15,260 crore to be allocated to Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

Rs.14,873 crore for JNNURM for urban transportation

Rs.80,194 crore allocation for Ministry of Rural Development

Rs.33,000 crore for MGNREGA

Rs.37,330 crore allocated for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Rs.13215 crore for mid-day meal programme

Rs.41,561 crore for SC plan and Rs 24,598 crore for tribal plan.

3511 crore allocation to minorities which is 12 per cent hike over budget estimates, 110 crore rupees allotted for welfare of disabled.

65867 crore rupees have been allocated to the Ministry of Human resources development which is 17 per cent hike over the revised estimates.

A surcharge of 10 percent on persons (other than companies) whose taxable income exceeds Rs.1 crore have been levied.

Relief of Rs. 2000 for the tax payers in the first bracket of 2 to 5 lakhs.”

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Iran launches new fighter jet

Iran had unveiled a new home-made combat aircraft on 02 February 2013.Iran announced that this is the most Sophisticated aircraft in the world.The name of this aircraft was Qaher F313 (Dominant F313).Qaher F313 was designed using the Advanced Electro-Aviation System.

World’s Largest Prime Number Discovered with 17,425,170 digits

Researchers from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg discovered the largest prime number of the world, Contains 17 Million Digits. This is the 48th Mersenne prime found so far. However there are certain rare kinds of prime numbers called Mersenne primes which have the form 2 multiplied by itself p times minus 1, where p denotes a prime number. The new largest prime is 2 multiplied by itself 57885161 times minus 1.

First Complete Bionic Man Unveiled in U.K

On 7 February The world’s first complete ‘Bionic Man’ named “ Rex ” was unveiled at London’s Science Museum. The bionic man was created using 1 million US dollar limbs as well as organs.Rex has a human face with brown eyes and a height of 6.5 feet. It was designed jointly with assistance from 18 universities and companies.

Rudra Inducted into the Army

On 8 February The first indigenously built Weapon System Integrated Advanced Light Helicopter, “Rudra” was handed over to the Indian Army by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) .Rudra is the Mk-IV variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. The helicopter is fitted with weapons, targeting systems, warning and counter-measure systems and survivability features.This is the first of the 60 armed helicopters provided to the army by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) after the Defence Ministry handed over the control of all attack helicopters to the land force.

Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Rajratan’ Commissioned

On 11 February Indian Coast Guard ship “ Rajratan “ , the fifth in a series of eight Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs), was commissioned by Indian Coast Guard.The vessel has been indigenously built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata.The 50m long IPV can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots, with an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 16 knots.

North Korea conducted third nuclear test

On 12 February 2013,North Korea “successfully” conducted a third underground nuclear test with the violation of United Nations sanctions.In the past North Korea two times conducted nuclear tests but this is most powerful than those tests.North Korea announced that,a miniaturised nuclear device had been detonated successfully at the test site.The test was reported to have taken place at a test site in the North Hamgyeong province, where the Punggye-ri nuclear complex that conducted tests in 2006 and 2009 is located.

Asteroid “ 2012 DA14 “ Passed Very Near To Earth

The small Asteroid named “ 2012 DA14 “ with an estimated diameter of 50 meters (160 ft) and an estimated mass of 190,000 metric tons passed within about 3.5 Earth radii of the Earth’s surface on February 15.During its 2013 close passage, the asteroid passed 27,700 km (17,200 mi) from the surface of Earth. Scientists at NASA estimated that an asteroid the size of 2012 DA14 flies this close to Earth about once every 40 years. A 2012 DA14-size asteroid impacts Earth once every 1,200 years, on average.

PSLV-C20 Successfully Launched ‘SARAL’ and 6 Other Satellites

On 25 February ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dawan Space centre at SPSR Nellore in Sriharikota , launched the Indo-French satellite “SARAL” along with six commercial payloads from Austria, Britain, Canada and Denmark into a 785-km polar sunsynchronous orbit.It was the 23rd mission of PSLV, which has an impeccable record of 21 consecutive successful flights.

About SARAL:- – The Saral mission results from the common interest of both ISRO and CNES in studying the ocean from space. For instance, it can provide information on seasonal forecasting, study on animal migration, locating ‘buoys’ and fishing vessels, collecting environmental data such as ocean temperature profiles and currents.

Besides Saral, the PSLV-C20 has put into orbit two micro-satellites UniBRITE and BRITE (both from Austria), AAUSAT3 from Denmark and STRaND from UK. It also carried one micro-satellite (NEOSSat) and one mini-satellite (SAPPHIRE) from Canada.With a lift-off mass of 407 kg, Saral is the 56th satellite to be launched by PSLV.The six commercial payloads from abroad together have a lift-off mass of 259.5 km.PSLV-C20 is the ninth PSLV in ‘core alone’ configuration (without solid strap-on motors).

PERSONS IN NEWS

A) APPOINTMENTS

Mo Yan and Jackie Chan Selected As Members of Chinese Parliament

On 3 February Mo Yan, the winner of Nobel Prize for literature, 2012 and Jackie Chan, the movie star were given a political role in China by being selected as members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, one of the houses of Chinese parliament.

Prachanda elected as Maoist president of ruling UCPN-Maoist party

Prachanda, the powerful Maoist leader who became prime minister after toppling the 239-year-old monarchy in Nepal, was elected as the president of the ruling UCPNMaoist party on 08 February 2013.58-yearold Prachanda, whose real name is Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Indian American Subra Suresh Appointed as President of Carnegie Mellon

On 9 February US President Obama’s top science official and Indian American Padma Shri awardee Dr Subra Suresh has been appointed as the new president of Carnegie Mellon University. He will succeed Dr. Jared L. Cohon, who led the university to unprecedented growth during his 16-year tenure. Dr Suresh will assume office on July 1 after Dr Cohon would step down on June 30, this year.

Ratan Tata Elected To “National Academy of Engineering“

On 9 February Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, has been elected as a member of the prestigious ‘ National Academy of Engineering ‘ of the US along with 10 new foreign members.This is the highest professional distinction accorded to an engineer in the US.Ratan Tata has been selected for his outstanding contributions to industrial development in India and the world.

B)RESIGNS

D.C.Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi To Resign

Indian American, Natwar M. Gandhi, Chief Financial officer (CFO) of Washington DC ,announced his resignation on 1 February.He will resign on 1 June 2013.Gandhi has held the office since 2000 and was appointed to a new, five-year term last year.

Solicitor-General Rohinton Nariman resigns

Solicitor-General of India Rohinton Nariman resigned 04 February 2013.Mr. Nariman was appointed as the second most senior law official of the country on July 23, 2011 following the resignation of Gopal Subramanium on July 14, 2011.

Obama’s Top Science Official Suresh Resigned

On 6 February US President Barack Obama’s top science official and Padma Shri awardee Subra Suresh has resigned from his current position to join the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University as its chief.As director of National Science Foundation (NSF) since 2010, Suresh was responsible for driving scientific research of the country.Suresh has co-authored more than 240 journal articles, registered 21 patents and written three widely used materials science books.

Nagaland Home Minister resigns

Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L. Imchen was resigned from the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) government on 19 February 2013.Mr. Imchen put in his papers after the Election Commission authorities seized cash amounting to more than Rs.1 crore and weapons from his vehicle on 18 February by troopers of Assam Rifles at Sathupang area in Wokha district.

Pope Benedict XVI Resigned

On 28 February Pope Benedict XVI a position in which he serves dual roles as Sovereign of the Vatican City State and leader of the Catholic Church resigned his post.Pope Benedict XVI’s birth name is Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger.Benedict XVI was elected on 19 April 2005 in a papal conclave, celebrated his Papal Inauguration Mass on 24 April 2005, and took possession of his cathedral, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, on 7 May 2005. A native of Bavaria, he has both German and Vatican citizenship.

C)DEATHS

Former Puducherry CM Shanmugam passes away

Former Chief Minister of Puducherry P. Shanmugam passed away at the Karaikal Government Hospital on 02 February 2013.A bachelor, Shanmugam was the chief minister of Puducherry from March 22, 2000 to Oct 27, 2001 and represented the union territory in the Lok Sabha between 1980-1991.

China’s Table Tennis Legend Zhuang Zedong Died

On 10 February the china’s table tennis legend , Zhuang Zedong died in Beijing .Zhuang Zedong is a three-time world table tennis champion.Zhuang Zedong remained a crucial figure in ping-pong diplomacy of 1971 and is popularly also called the Architect of Ping-Pong Diplomacy. Pingpong diplomacy means exchange of the table tennis (ping-pong) players between China and US

American Philosopher and Legal Scholar Dworkin Died

Ronald Dworkin a renowned American philosopher and a Constitutional Law expert died on 14 February at London .He wrote books named A Matter of Principle, Law’s Empire and Justice for Hedgehogs.

Radhakishan Malviya former Union Minister died

Former Union Minister and senior Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Radhakishan Malviya died on 19 February 2013 in Indore.Malviya was elected MLA from Sanver in Indore district in 1972. A three-time Rajya Sabha MP, he was Labour Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi government in mid-1980s. Malviya was Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president during 1998-2003 when Digvijay Singh was the chief minister.

D)VISITORS

Bhutan Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley Visited India

Prime Minister of Bhutan Jigmi Y Thinley visited India from 7 – 9 February.During his three-days visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at NewDelhi and discussed on developmental issues of his country with the Indian leadership, and sought financial assistance for the 11th five year plan of his country.

France’s President Francois Hollande Visited India

France’s President Francois Hollande Visited India from 14th and 15th February.During the 2 day visit he met manmohan singh at NewDelhi and discussed the sale of Rafale fighter jets , bilateral issues , after signed the both nations on several agreements .

Britain’s PM David Cameron Visited India

David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , visited India from 18 – 20 February.During the visit on 18 February he attended India – Britain delegations meeting in Mumbai .On 19 February Cameron met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and discussed bilateral and global issues.The British Prime Minister last visited India in July 2010.

E)MISCELLANEOUS

Three Year Old Girl Joins Mensa After Taking IQ Test in Russian

A brainy 3 year old girl Clever Alice Amos has been unveiled as the youngest new member of Mensa with a higher IQ than Stephen Hawking.Amos has been granted full membership of the brain box society after scoring an incredible 162 on an IQ test – she took in Russian.Her IQ of 162 ranks her higher than a list of the world’s greatest luminaries – dead and living.Former US presidents Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin and Bill Clinton could only muster 128, 160 and 137 respectively.

Mohamed Nasheed Took Refuge In Indian High Commission

On 13 February the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed took refuge in the Indian High Commission in Capital Male to evade arrest, a year after he was toppled.He turned up at the single-storey Indian mission around noon to evade arrest warrant issued by a court in a case concerning the detention of Chief Judge of the Criminal Court during his Presidency in January last year.The Indian government has permitted him to stay in Mission.

Queen Elizabeth II named Britain’s Most Powerful

According to the BBC power list of Britain’s most influential women, Queen Elizabeth II has been named the most powerful woman in Britain, while two Indian-origin women also found a place in the list of UK’s 100 most powerful women. Two Indian-origin women who featured among the 100 most powerful British women were Kolkata-born Pinki Lilani, founder of the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in the UK, and human rights champion and director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti.

World’s oldest woman is Misao Ookawa

Misao Ookawa,the oldest woman in the world receives a Guinness World Records certificate in Osaka, Japan,on 27 February 2013.She will ready to celebrate its 115th birth anniversary on 5 March 2013. The oldest man in the world,Jiroemon Kimura(115) also belongs to Japan.

PLACES IN NEWS

Strong 6.6 Magnitude Quake Hits Solomon Islands

On 6 February a strong 6.6-magnitude tremor struck the Solomon Islands , the latest in a series of aftershocks from a powerful earthquake that triggered a tsunami The quake hit 36 kilometres south-southwest of Lata, the main town on the remote island of Ndende.At least six people were confirmed dead and some 3,000 left homeless but the national disaster management office has been struggling to get a clear picture of the scale of destruction on the island, more than 600 kilometres from the capital Honiara.The Solomons are part of the “Ring of Fire”, a zone of tectonic activity around the Pacific that is subject to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Snow Storm “ Nemo “ Hits US and Canada

On 8 February Seven people have been killed in the United States and Canada as the massive blizzard Winter Storm Nemo dumped nearly two feet of snow in New England and knocked out power to more than a half a million homes.Throughout the Northeast, more than 600,000 homes and businesses lost electricity. Airlines cancelled more than 5,300 flights today, and New York City’s three major airports and Boston’s Logan Airport closed.

Huge Meteorite Hits The Russia

On 15 February A huge meteor hits the Russia, injuring more than 1000 people, many hurt by broken glass, and causing explosions.Fragments of the meteor fell in a thinly populated area of the Chelyabinsk region.The meteorite, which weighed about 10 metric tons and may have been made of iron, entered Earth’s atmosphere and broke apart 30-50 km (19-31 miles) above ground.The meteorite explosion, a very rare spectacle, also unleashed a sonic boom.The energy released when it entered the Earth’s atmosphere was equivalent to a few kilotonnes, the power of a small atomic weapon exploding.

ABBREVIATIONS

DSDS – Delhi Sustainable Development Summit

BHEL – Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd

GAIL – Gas Authority of India Limited

TERI – The Energy and Resources Institute

EIU – Economist Intelligence Unit

NSF – National Science Foundation

TAPI – Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India

POTA – Prevention of Terrorism Act

IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency

CAIR – Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

CITU – Centre of Indian Trade Unions

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organisation

HDI – Human Development Index

UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organisation

BOOKS IN NEWS

“Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life” Book Released

On 2 February The indomitable Khushwant Singh has released a new book named “Khushwantnama: The Lessons of My Life” on his 98th birthday in which he writes about his life, lessons it has taught him, politics, future of India and what religion means to him.The book, published by Penguin Books India, is dedicated to Kaur who is a close friend of the author.Khushwant Singh was a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1986. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974 but returned the decoration in 1984 in protest against the storming of the Golden Temple in Amritsar by the Indian Army. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.

“Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Germany” Book Released

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose new book named ‘Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Germany’ released on 6 February.The First copy of the book by Professor Anita B. Pfaff was given to the President of India Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan at NewDelhi. The book was brought out by the Federation of Indo-German Societies in India.The book is a collection of the records shared by Professor Anita Pfaff as well as other known biographers and writers.The book portrayed some interesting facets of the life of Netaji and his extraordinary contribution to India’s freedom struggle.

COMMITTEES

Padmanabhan Committee To Help Boost Bank Finance For Exports

On 3 February The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted a technical advisory committee to iron out existing issues and boost bank finance for exports.The committee will be headed by RBI Executive Director G Padmanabhan.The committee look into the issues related to exporters, we have decided to constitute a technical working group which will also look non-cost issues like transaction costs, accounting norms, documentation required, procedural difficulties.

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